Cost accounting is defined as a systematic process for recording and reporting the measurement of costs of manufacturing goods and services in total and in detail. It includes methods for identifying, classifying, allocating, aggregating, and reporting costs and comparing them to standard costs. Cost accounting provides management with detailed cost information needed to control current operations and plan for the future. While cost accounting information is also used in financial accounting, its primary function is for use by managers in decision-making. Cost accounting focuses on computing costs rigorously for cost control and reduction and reports internally, whereas financial accounting analyzes transactions, adheres to reporting standards, and reports externally.

1. Cost Accounting: Chapter 1st B.Com-II
Cost:
1) The price paid to acquire, produce, accomplish, or maintain anything
2) An outlay or expenditure of money, time, labor, trouble, etc.
3) In accounting, the term cost refers to the monetary value of expenditures for raw
materials, equipment, supplies, services, labor, products, etc. It is an amount that is
recorded as an expense in bookkeeping records.
Cost accounting
It is defined as "a systematic set of procedures for recording and reporting measurements of the
cost of manufacturing goods and performing services in the aggregate and in detail. It includes
methods for recognizing, classifying, allocating, aggregating and reporting such costs and
comparing them with standard costs.
Cost accounting provides the detailed cost information that management needs to control current
operations and plan for the future.
Cost accounting information is also commonly used in financial accounting, but its primary
function is for use by managers to facilitate their decision-making.
Cost Accounting vs Financial Accounting
Differences Between Cost and Financial Accounting
Cost Accounting Financial Accounting
Computes costs in a rigorous manner that
facilitates cost control and cost reduction.
Analyses transitions in the current accounting
period into financial statements (Statement of
Cash flows, Profit or Loss, Balance Sheet etc.).
Reports only to the organizations internal
management to aid their decision-making.
Reports the results and financial position of the
business to the government, creditors,
investors, and other external parties.
Cost classifications based on functions, activities,
products, processes and on the information needs
of the organization in its planning and control.
Cost classifications based on the types of
transactions.
Combines objective and subjective assessment of
costs contributing to a standard result.
Aims to present a 'true and fair' view of
transactions.
Information can be presented as accountants see
fit.
Must adhere to accounting standards such as
the IFRS and GAAP.